We’ve all felt that sinking feeling of not quite belonging, altering ourselves to fit a certain mold for acceptance rather than being able to embrace our authenticity. When everyone is seen, heard, acknowledged authentically, intentionally, and consciously, workplaces promote a sense of belonging rather than a longing to belong. Is it easy? No. Can it be done? Yes—it's a continuous journey, not a destination. Ultimately, to belong means to be seen. If we cannot change the way we look, we need to change the way we see.

Key Takeaways:

  • Longing to Belong: Small Actions, Large Impact
  • The Art of Authenticity: Four Strategies to Embracing Your Authentic Self
  • Leading with Empathy: Encouraging Courageous Conversations at the Workplace
  • Inclusive Meetings: Strategies for Healthy Dialogue, Discussion, and Debate
  • Gen Zen: Leadership Agility When Working with a Multi-Generational Workforce
  • The Impact of Purposeful and Intentional Vulnerability at the Workplace
Tina Headshot

Tina Varughese

Diversity and Inclusion Speaker,

Globally recognized speaker and author, Tina Varughese, B. Comm; B.A, inspires audiences with humour, humility, and humanity. She transforms workplaces to foster environments where employees feel empowered to share ideas, ask questions, take risks, and communicate openly without fear of judgment or retribution. Through her proven tools and techniques, Tina helps organizations build cultures of collaboration, curiosity, and compassion—remaining adaptive, agile, and authentic to pave the way for impactful change.

Tina is the author of the bestseller, 50 Shades of Beige: Building Bridges While Breaking Bias. Her work has been featured in the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CBC Eyeopener, and HR Reporter. Recognized by Ignite Magazine as a Top Ten Notable Speaker, her clients include Pfizer, Carnival Cruises, Hockey Canada, Kraft-Heinz, 3M, and the Million Dollar Roundtable. She has also served on McMaster University’s Future of Canada Council and as the Past-President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (Alberta).

Her uniquely interactive, energetic, and entertaining keynotes draw on her extensive experience managing Alberta’s immigration office and running her own successful relocation and settlement firm. Tina’s practical, tactical, hilarious, and thought-provoking keynotes inspire attendees to think, behave, act, and communicate with intention.

A mother of two, partner to one, and friend to many, Tina encourages all to strive for a better tomorrow, today.

Technology Track